Several factors will determine the best treestand for your type and style of hunting. Many different styles are offered to afford you comfort, ease-of-use, packing and transporting manageability, and a solid perch to observe your game and squeeze off the perfect shot at your target.

There are several options to consider, each offering varying benefits depending on your hunting style, need for convenience, hunting environment and security.

Portable or fixed-position stands

These are the most popular, using a platform and seat joined by metal poles

Chain or nylon webbing is attached to the top of the tree trunk, with the bottom supported by T-screws or built-in spikes

You'll need tree steps or ladders to climb the tree when using a portable stand

These are extremely versatile, especially since you can use them safely in nearly any type, size or height of tree

If you bowhunt, consider a smaller fixed-position stand since this gives you a smaller outline against the tree's backdrop

Also, you may want a large support arm around the stand's outer edge. Running about chest high, this arm provides added safety and a gun rest.

Climbing stands

Climbing stands are designed for fast, quiet climbing without using tree steps or ladders

These are best if you hunt in areas with tall, straight trees, such as oak and birch

These generally come in two sections--a top part that you use to raise and secure with your arms and a bottom section that you secure with your feet

Climbing stands can be heavier and bulkier than fixed-position stands but manufacturers are making strides in this area

A big plus with climbing stands is the ability to move about when scouting and quickly set up in a few minutes, but you can't use climbing stands in trees with lots of large limbs or bent trunks

Ladder stands

Aluminum ladders can be secured to a tree and you sit on a small seat with a footrest built into the ladder

These are easy to climb and are great for private land since you can leave them set up throughout the season and aren't as concerned about bulk and weight

Ladder stands are generally very safe and very quiet

However, most ladders only get you 12 to 14 feet off the ground--some as little as 10 feet--so if you need higher perches, this may not be the best stand

You'll also have a larger silhouette against the trunk

Tree slings

These are used in conjunction with tree steps

Tree slings allow you to sit in a sling, with ropes or nylon straps, or both, securing your perch

The big advantage is tree hugging, reducing your outline, and mobility to quietly position yourself around the trunk to change your shot angle. They are not as comfortable as other treestands, however.

Bowhunters like tree slings because of this maneuverability and concealment

You should also consider some screw-in tree steps to use as a footrest once you set your tree sling

Tripod stands

These are good in sparsely wooded areas, such as the Southwest, where tall trees for more conventional stands are not readily available

These use three legs with a rotating seat or shooting house on top

Because they are bigger than other types of stands, these can really stand out so care must be taken in setting up tripod stands either inside or adjacent to a small tree

These work best when overlooking large fields or open-area watering holes

The platform is the part of the treestand where you stand and rest your hunting equipment

The larger the platform, the more comfortable you'll be, allowing you to move about more freely

If you are afraid of heights, then definitely consider as large a platform as possible

However, the size of the platform affects the weight of your stand. Weigh the benefits of size vs. heft in determining what makes you most comfortable and safe while still not overtaxing your muscle power.

Weight

Weight may make a difference depending on how far you have to carry your stand in the woods and how high up you have to haul it in your chosen tree

Many stands are designed to be carried like a backpack, making this a much more manageable chore

New materials such as carbon are making these lighter but more expensive

Your usage should determine weight. If you need to move the stand often, lighter weight will help. But if you plan on staying put for the most part, then weight is less of a consideration.

Size

Size is also a comfort vs. weight issue. Once again, the bigger the platform, the safer and more comfortable your stand but generally the heavier.

Consider the seat size as well. The style, padding and height make a big difference.

For example, most kitchen chairs are 17 inches from the seat to the floor so you take the weight off of your legs. A higher seat, though, offers a big advantage in being able to stand quickly.

A seat height of 20 to 22 inches is a good range, but if you're tall, you can even find them up to 25 inches high

Some seats are adjustable to get them away from the tree

You can find seats as well with thicker padding and padded back and gun rests, good options if you plan to be in your stand for hours

Gun rests or shooting houses are nice as well for both convenience and comfort, not to mention an extra piece of security to keep you from stepping out of your stand

Mounting system

The mounting and flexibility of a system are key considerations in determining which treestand style to purchase

Look for a stand that mounts on the type of trees where you normally hunt

If you hunt in several areas and frequently go to new areas, buy the stand that offers the most flexible mounting system. And, if necessary, look for treestands that can be leveled even on crooked trees.

There are generally three types of mounting systems:

Chain-on systems

Chain-on systems work well when you plan to place and leave your stand

Strap-on stands

Strap-on stands are quieter to install but need to be checked each season to make sure the straps are in good condition

Multi-position systems

Multi-position systems are gaining in popularity because they give hunters more flexibility and cover most, if not all, of your treestand needs

When you're finished hunting for the day, you take the stand with you but leave your mounting system attached to the tree

These multi-position systems are offered in several types of fasteners: screw-in pins, H-frame brackets, offset cable harnesses and cable-mounted plates

Materials

Aluminum and steel are most common, with aluminum providing lighter weight while steel gives you more rigidity to enhance security

The new carbon materials have the advantage in the weight category, with some portable stands that can be carried like a backpack weighing as little as 5 pounds